Toyota is off to great racing start this year as its drivers have gone on to secure separate wins at different motor sport organizations in the United States – NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) and USAC (United States Automobile Club).
NASCAR And ARCA Wins
Leading the charge for Toyota is Eric Jones in his No. 20 Toyota Camry. Jones emerged as the winner of the Clash at Daytona International Speedway (a non-points exhibition race). His win was made possible by a timely push coming from teammate Denny Hamlin. After leading 12 laps in the race, Hamlin crossed the finish line in sixth place.
However, two other Toyota drivers weren’t as blessed as Jones and Hamlin. Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch finished 16th and 18th, respectively. They failed to finish the race, no thanks to incidents that occurred earlier in the race.
Also at Daytona International Speedway, Michael Self took home the first victory of the new ARCA Menards Series season. Driving for Venturini Motorsports, Self started the race from the pole position. He led the pack in 61 of 80 laps, including the last one. Fellow Camry drivers Drew Dollar and Riley Herbst finished third and seventh, respectively.
NHRA And USAC Victories
Meanwhile, Doug Kalitta managed to top the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals for the third straight year. This victory -- his fourth in the last five events at Pomona’s Auto Club Raceway – means Kalitta has secured the lead in Top Fuel points. Interestingly, Toyota Top Fuel drivers have emerged victorious in 15 of the 21 races at the Club Raceway.
On the other hand, Chris Windom – piloting for Tucker-Boat Motorsports – grabbed a win in the second race of the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Dirt Winter Games on Feb. 8, with teammate Andrew Layser securing third place. Windom and Buddy Kofoid were second and third, respectively, in the first race.
A Great Start For Toyota
So far, Toyota is giving its competitors a good run for their money. The racing season has just started and Toyota is showing no signs of letting up. These wins go to show that Toyota is a force to be reckoned in the racing world's marquee events.
Source: Toyota